LES MILLS NEWMARKET: MEET AMANDA BRIEN

What's your day job? 

I’m the Manager – Health and Wellbeing at Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities where I lead a team responsible for health and wellbeing initiatives in the workplace. This ranges from education and campaigns to help our employees be well at work and providing support when people experience long-term injuries or illness. Conveniently one of our National Office’s is based in Newmarket so nice and handy to the gym for before and after work classes. 

What got you into teaching / inspires you with fitness?

I’ve always enjoyed being active and working out with people, right from walking or biking to school as a kid and playing social (but competitive) sports over the years. I love that feeling of accomplishment and rush of endorphins after a workout and it’s always much better when it’s a shared experience with others. 

What do you teach and why? 

I got into teaching about six years ago when there were auditions at Les Mills Newmarket and a few people suggested I give it a go. I started out with LES MILLS CORE™ (known then as CXWORX), which has been hugely beneficial personally as it’s helped me develop strength to manage a degenerated spinal disc. I had to give up playing sports for a couple of years while I figured out how to manage the pain and LES MILLS CORE was instrumental in getting me back on the netball court. My why is about helping others to improve their health in a fun way through group fitness. I also teach BODYBALANCE™ and THE TRIP™. 

Why Les Mills?

The first gym I joined in my hometown of New Plymouth offered LES MILLS™ programmes and I got hooked on the music, moves and social element of group fitness. I lived overseas for a brief time and it was great to be able to continue LES MILLS classes there and have some familiarity. 

What’s a motivational quote you live by?

Motivation gets you started, habit keeps you going

Any other fun facts?

You might also recognise me from TVNZ's Eat Well For Less NZ where I'm the resident nutritionist, providing advice and tips to help Kiwi households shop, cook and eat better.